Botanical species of the genus Masdevallia, originally from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, Masdevallia ignea populates areas at altitudes between 2600 and 3800 m.

A small taxon, which prefers cool climates and terrestrial resorts, Masdevallia ignea differs from most orchids by the absence of storage organs for water and nutrients, the survival of the species depending exclusively on the availability of the necessary resources, an aspect that indicates to the grower the need for frequent administration of fertilizer and frequent irrigation .

The recognized synonyms for this species are Masdevallia boddaertii Linden ex André 1879; Masdevallia ignea f. citrina (Stein) O.Gruss & M.Wolff 2007; Masdevallia ignea var. armeniaca BSWilliams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. aurantiaca BSWilliams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. boddaertii Linden ex André 1879; Masdevallia ignea var. citrina Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. Ladybug Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. goorii Sander 1901; Masdevallia ignea var. grandiflora BSWilliams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. Hobarts Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. marshalliana Rchb.f. 1872; Masdevallia ignea var. massangeana BSWilliams 1887; Masdevallia ignea var. pulchra Vuylsteke ex Cogn. 1897; Masdevallia ignea var. rubescens Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925; Masdevallia ignea var. splendens Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea var. stobartiana Rchb.f. 1881; Masdevallia ignea var. the gorgeous Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925; Masdevallia ignea var. Gentil Thomasons 1907; Masdevallia ignea var. vuylstekeana Cogn. 1897;

From an anatomical point of view, Masdevallia ignea presents vigorous, erect stems, basally covered by 2-3 tubular sheaths that bear suberect, elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, coriaceous, dark green leaves, narrowly wedged at the bottom, where a furrowed petiole is differentiated. The flowers are unique, singular, arranged at the top of relatively long flower stalks, approximately 30 - 37.5 cm, which develop far above the foliage and emerge from the base of the leaves. They have an impressive red color, which alludes, through the species name, to the color of fire - ignis ; they can appear 2-3 times during the year, but the moment of massive flowering is categorically associated with the end of December.

Enriching the collection of specimens is particularly easy, involving only the division of the bushes , as long as for each division at least 5-6 stems are maintained and a sufficiently developed root system to allow the specimens to survive. The ideal time for this operation is in the cold season, when the stress of adapting to high temperatures can be avoided, allowing the plants to adapt more easily.

In nature, the species inhabits shaded locations, with a brightness of approximately 13,000 lux, similar to the light intensity required for the Phalaenopsis species, but being able to tolerate values ​​of up to 37,000 lux at the upper limit of the range, being indicated, during the warm season, to avoid overexposure plants to very strong light, especially if this is associated with an increase in temperature. In culture, the very good development of plants under conditions of artificial light with standard fluorescent tubes, as well as under conditions of positioning the plants on windowsills with eastern or southern (shaded) exposure, can be noted.

The temperature indicated for the growth of this species will be cold to intermediate , the plants not being able to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, when growth reduction or even stagnation will be observed. The coolness during the evening gives remarkable results in terms of the taxon's ability to tolerate high temperatures. The ideal temperature during the night is 12 - 15 °C, that during the day is 18 - 23 °C. To obtain a decrease in temperature, humidifiers or water evaporation trays can be used, which also help to maintain a high humidity, suitable for this species. It is recommended to avoid daytime temperatures higher than 27 °C. In cases where there are hot periods during the summer, it is recommended to keep the plants in the shade, to reduce thermal stress, lowering the temperature at the level of the leaves.

Adequate irrigation is the key factor in the culture of Masdevallia species. The ideal range is 60 - 80% - in this sense, trays with gravel and water can be used, on which the culture containers can be placed. During the summer, frequent immersion irrigation is recommended, an aspect that also contributes to the decrease in plant temperature. Never allow the roots to completely dry before a new irrigation. If adequate drainage is ensured, it is allowed to keep the roots permanently moist. Regarding the root system, Masdevallia is relatively similar to species of the Paphiopedilum genus, presenting fine structures, in the form of perissories, at the level of the roots.

In order to avoid diseases and the establishment of fungal or bacterial diseases, the incidence of which increases in the humid environment necessary for the cultivation of Masdevallia species, good ventilation is the key to success . At the same time, periodic spraying of the leaves contributes to maintaining adequate humidity and hydration.

Fertilization will be administered regularly, with a diluted solution, during the period of active plant growth. The application of 30 - 10 - 10 type formulas with a bimonthly frequency is indicated, if the plants are grown in an environment composed of bark, and the application of 20 - 20 - 20 type formulas for plants grown in other types of environments. If the sky is cloudy, fertilization can be applied with monthly frequency. Masdevallia does not adapt well to hard waters, making it necessary to demineralize them, even partially, by decanting or boiling. Rainwater and water obtained by melting snow are ideal in this sense, but a commercially available option that is available to everyone is demineralized water, used for cars. The recommended dilution for fertilization is 25% of the concentration indicated by the manufacturer, especially in the case of hard water. After fertilizing, immersion irrigation is recommended to reduce unconsumed fertilizer.

The indicated culture medium is sphagnum moss, which will be used every time the pot is changed, an intervention that must be carried out with a higher frequency than in the case of other species of orchids, at least once every 1-2 years, before the medium decomposes . It is recommended to use media with a fine structure, such as fine-grained bark, possibly mixed with sphagnum moss. When changing the pots and dividing the bushes, it is recommended to place the new growth as far as possible from the edge of the pot, in order to allow their development in as large a number as possible, without being restricted by the container. Plants with multidirectional growth will be placed in the center of the pot, taking care that the roots are placed above and around a quantity of culture medium placed in the previous pot, later being covered with culture medium until the pot is filled. When using sphagnum moss, it is recommended to check the degree of its decomposition, at intervals of no more than 9 months.

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